The traditional thinking offered within this contemporary movement, Warriors of the Lakota has been made possible through the perseverance and dedicated efforts of two non-native historians, William A. Edwards & John E. Connolly Jr. The perspectives and extraordinary knowledge which these men were awakened to throughout a span of 119 years (1898-2017) are a direct result of their involvement with many Indian kinships of the Great Sioux Nation. The following names of native families, as well as individuals offer just a glimpse of the numerous respected Pine Ridge and Rosebud (South Dakota Sioux Indian Reservations) relationships which these two men developed during their lives. We would like to acknowledge the following native people by listing their respected names in random order. The first roster shows those who participated from 1898 through 1960 and the second from 1976 to present.

In October of 1978, Connolly teaches and shares early
Lakota history toyoung Indian boys and girls at
Red Shirt Table.

In Their Own Words...

While compiling the information that this organization is now offering on our website, we spent seven years (2001-2008) studying and writing the direct narratives from many Native friendships. The greater part to these sources of information are both fortunate as well as invaluable. For they reflect real and authentic communications of Indian feelings and attitudes and are told in their own words. During this period, annual June visits to the Pine Ridge Indian reservation also helped immensely to visit, interview and film Lakota families who could help in resolving any errors or other issues of concern while documenting this undertaking.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness...

Everyone seems to think that they are experts when it comes to analyzing another culture or race. We believe that this is a very dangerous undertaking. For when one race sets out to examine & dissect another, there is always the possibility of mistaken attitudes, exploitation or superior feelings. Therefore, non-Indian involvement throughout this experience wishes only to serve as 'helping-hands' or 'minor facilitators.' This work will strive to have collective voices from Indian communities be better heard with proper balance and equal representation.